During the programme of work the technical and commercial feasibility were investigated, this included conducting some experiments to investigate the feasibility with a prototype Geiger Array detector (SPAD), In addition the use of a high throughput spectrometer has also been examined, to perform transmission and stand-off Raman measurements. This has included developing outline designs for deep UV and IR instruments.
The basic concept for performing time-resolved observations is as follows; When the laser strikes a target the molecules are excited in addition to the laser Rayleigh light scattering off the target ~ 1 in 106 photons are Raman in nature. These photons are emitted on fs time-scales. For organic molecules fluorescence can also be stimulated, however these are emitted on much large time-scale of 100 ps – several ns. This time difference can be exploited to separate the two returns.
In a Gieger detector the sensor responds to the first photon it observes, and essentially switches off for 50 ns. This is in effect a perfect shutter, additionally by combining the detector with suitable electronics the time of arrival of the photon can be recorded. This prinicple forms the basis of the development
In addition to above requirements the system would also require a clear easy to interpret user interface and visualisation tools and we have been investigating new techniques that could provide a clear advantage.
The final system could have one of three basic arrangements.
The first is the most attractive to potential clients, as a complete hand held unit. However it is also the most technological challenging.
The second option is a hand held probe is used to sample systems but the control box is only semi portable.
While the final option is a unit where the target samples is brought to the instrument.
After the technical feasibility was completed we conducted a review of the commercial feasibility. This included an examination of our business model, the market segment, the cost of a likely instrument, our unique selling points.
We are of the opinion that we can deliver an instrument required by our market segment and on budget
